Traveller for the construction of engineering works

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a traveller ( 1 ) for the construction of engineering works, comprising two structures, namely: a securing structure ( 2 ) for securing to the already built engineering work, and a working structure ( 3 ) on which construction of the work advances. The traveller is characterised in that the securing structure ( 2 ) comprises: a first end ring ( 6 ) and a second middle ring ( 7 ), both of said rings ( 6, 7 ) being coupled to the periphery of the section ( 27 ) of the already built work; at least one transom bar ( 9 ) that joins the end ring ( 6 ) and the middle ring ( 7 ) on the side of the carriage ( 1 ); and connecting elements between the end ring ( 6 ) and the middle ring ( 7 ). The working structure ( 3 ) comprises exterior formwork ( 25 ) and floor formwork ( 23 ).

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a traveller for the construction ofengineering works, more specifically, equipment for the construction ofconcrete arches in a progressive manner, without there being otherelements required for the construction of the section of concrete thanthe equipment object of the invention. The invention is applicable tothe field of civil works, and more specifically, to the construction ofthe arch in arch type bridges.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

Several construction procedures can be adopted for the construction ofbridges of the arch bridge typology.

Among them, the following should be highlighted:

-   -   Construction on falsework: this procedure is only valid if the        terrain is accessible.    -   Construction of the arch and deck in a simultaneous manner,        introducing a temporary cross-bracing and advancing in        cantilever.    -   Construction with a temporary cross-bracing of the arch and        subsequent execution of the deck.

In any construction of arches, formworks are used which, according tothe construction procedure selected for the execution of the arch, willhave different configurations. Based on whether the formwork issupported on the terrain (construction on falsework) or not(cross-bracing), the resistance requirements in the elementsconstituting the formwork are very different. In addition, theconfiguration of the elements transmitting the weight of the formworkitself and of the freshly poured concrete, on to the terrain or to thestructure itself (depending on the place where the formwork is supportedon) is completely different.

Currently, there are numerous formwork solutions on the market for theconstruction of arches consisting of one piece supported by the alreadyconcreted arch section, which progressively advances in the execution ofthe arch.

In these structures, the section of the arch to be concreted is usuallysupported by the last section of the arch that has already beenconcreted, repeating the same section from the beginning of the arch inthe area that is closest to the abutments of the bridge until thecompletion thereof in the central area of the arch, the modification ofthe section of the arch being a complicated process.

The equipment object of this invention shows an equipment for theexecution of arches in arch type bridge structures. Said equipment is ofthe typology of those supported by the last arch section concreted,contributing with the possibility of only embracing half concreted archsection and with the possibility of varying the arch section to bebuilt, by modifying the configuration of the exterior and interiorformwork.

In the state of the art, document CN 201567787 is known, which disclosesa formwork for bridges where the dimensions of the section being builtcan also be modified.

Document CN 201172797 (Y) is also known, which proposes a mobileformwork for the construction of bridges comprising an interior formworkand exterior formwork, connected to each other.

None of the documents mentioned herein disclose equipment for theconstruction of bridges supported by an already built bridge section,and that can modify the dimensions of the bridge section to be built.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Traveller for the construction of engineering works, comprising asecuring structure for securing to the already built engineering workand a working structure on which construction of the work advances.

The securing structure of the traveller comprises a first end ringcoupled to the perimeter of the section of the already built work, asecond middle ring coupled to the perimeter of the section of thealready built work, at least one transversal cross-brace that joins theend ring and the middle ring on the side of the traveller, connectingelements between the end ring and the middle ring.

The working structure comprises exterior formwork and floor formwork, inwhich the securing structure and the working structure are joined at thelower part thereof by a main load-bearing girder and at the upper partthereof by the forward tracks.

In a first embodiment of the invention of the traveller for theconstruction of engineering works, the rings are joined at the upperpart thereof by an upper cross-brace framework and at the lower partthereof by at least one main load-bearing girder and a bar framework.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the upper cross-braceframework of the traveller comprises two vertical posts in the uppercross-braces corresponding to the end ring and two other vertical postsin the upper cross-braces corresponding to the middle ring.

A rear skid supported on the forward track is located in the lower partof the vertical posts corresponding to the end ring.

A sliding bar in which lower end a supporting leg is incorporated passesthrough the inside of each one of the vertical posts corresponding tothe middle ring.

The supporting legs comprise a rear skid for supporting the sliding baron the forward track, the supporting leg being joined to a pair ofvertical hydraulic cylinders that lift the supporting legs and the rearskids from the forward tracks, and to a forward hydraulic cylinderresponsible for the forward movement of the traveller on the forwardtracks.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the rings of the travellercomprise the common elements of the upper cross-brace framework in theupper part, a bar framework in the lower part, two vertical beams joinedto each other through horizontal beams and transversal beams, thehorizontal beams and transversal beams being distributed along thelength of the vertical beams on each side.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the traveller object of theinvention comprises a floor formwork in the working structure supportedby sill plates perpendicular to the forward direction of the traveller,the main load-bearing girder being located under said sill plates.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the exterior formwork of thetraveller comprises exterior panels affixed to vertical ribs, thevertical ribs being supported by their lower part on guides on which thevertical ribs can be displaced, thereby modifying the dimensions of asection to be concreted with respect to another already concretedsection.

In addition to being supported on the guides, the vertical ribs arejoined to shoring hydraulic cylinders, which in turn are affixed to theexterior end of the aforementioned guides.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the exterior formwork of thetraveller incorporates working surfaces located at different heights ofthe exterior formwork.

In the first embodiment of the invention, the working structure of thetraveller comprises an inverted U-shaped interior formwork.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the end ring and the middlering comprise the common elements: an external beam on a side of thering corresponding to an external side with respect to the arch, twoL-shaped beams, joined to each other by means of threaded bars on a sideof the ring corresponding to an internal side with respect to the arch,an upper beam in the upper part of the ring, a lower beam in the lowerpart of the ring, and coupling means embracing the external beam andjoined to the upper beam.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the two L-shaped beams arejoined to each other by means of threaded bars, flat pieces being placedin the exterior of the L-shaped beams and nuts threading on the threadedbars and abutting against the flat pieces.

In the second embodiment of the invention, in the upper part of theexternal beam of the at least the end ring, two vertical hydrauliccylinders are placed, affixed to the external beam by one end, and whichare affixed, by the other end, to the coupling means, modifying thedistance between the upper beam and the lower beam with the path of thevertical hydraulic cylinders.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the external beam of therings incorporates, in the upper end, a graduation that allows modifyingthe affixing point of the vertical hydraulic cylinders to said externalbeam.

The coupling means in the end ring of the securing structure comprise atleast a metal tubular piece through the inside of which the externalbeam passes, a reinforcement of the tubular piece and a square guide forthe coupling means, such that the tubular piece is moves along theexternal beam supported by the reinforcement guided through the insideof the square guide.

The coupling means in the middle ring of the securing structure compriseat least a metal tubular piece through the inside of which the externalbeam passes.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the connection between theend ring and the middle ring is obtained in the upper area through theinternal part with respect to the arch by means of a longitudinal beamjoining the L-shaped beams, and in the external part with respect to thearch by means of two flat beams affixed to the coupling means of therings; and in the lower part two main load-bearing girders, placed in aparallel manner, that join the lower beams, on the side corresponding tothe external part with respect to the arch it is carried out through atransversal cross-brace and two horizontal cross-braces.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the coupling means join theexternal beam and the upper beam inside of each ring, and the twoexternal beams in the connection between the end ring and the middlering.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the forward tracks comprisean interior step, wherein forward hydraulic cylinders are supported,coupled, by one end, to the lower part of the upper beam, and by theother end, to the step of the forward tracks.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the upper beam comprises,affixed to its lower part, rolling legs that move along the forwardtracks guiding the forward movement of the traveller in theirdisplacement.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the traveller comprises,under the forward tracks, in the area located on the securing structure,crossbeams located between the forward tracks and, in the area locatedon the working structure, a wedge-shaped platform, the crossbeams andthe wedge-shaped platform affixing the relative position of the forwardtracks.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the securing structure hasties to the work site that comprise threaded bars, holes made on theupper part of the already concreted section, wedge-shaped pieces affixedto the lower part of the forward tracks, such that the traveller isaffixed to an already concreted arch section, introducing the threadedbars through the holes of the already concreted section and through theinside of the wedge-shaped pieces, the ends of the threaded bars beingaffixed both to the holes and to the wedge-shaped pieces by means ofnuts.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the working structurecomprises: an interior formwork providing the interior shape of thesection; on the side corresponding to the external part with respect tothe arch, panels held by shoring props supported by horizontal guides,on the lower area of the traveller, a floor formwork supported by thehorizontal guides, which in turn are supported on the main load-bearinggirders which also join the two rings of the securing structure; on theupper area of the traveller, a wedge-shaped platform affixed to theforward tracks; on the side corresponding to the internal part withrespect to the arch, vertical beams coupled by the upper part of thevertical beams to the wedge-shaped platform and by the lower part of thevertical beams to the horizontal guides, the sides and the lower areaconfiguring the exterior formwork of the working structure.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the interior formwork isaffixed to the wedge-shaped platform located under the forward tracks inthe area of the working structure, the affixing being carried out bymeans of threaded bars associated with nuts that abut against thewedge-shaped platform.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the sectionto be concreted configuring the working structure can be modified bymeans of at least one of the following actions: removal by unit of thepanels of the side corresponding to the external part with respect tothe arch, displacement of the shoring props through the horizontalguides, removal by unit of the panels of the side corresponding to theinternal part with respect to the arch, and/or complete removal of thevertical beams and panels configuring the side corresponding to theinternal part with respect to the arch, this last action being executedto carry out the complete section of the arch by means of theundertaking of half sections joined at the corresponding side to theinternal part with respect to the arch.

In the third embodiment of the invention, the securing structurecomprises one single securing piece that comprises the first end ring,the second middle ring, the transversal cross-brace and the connectingelements of the first end ring and the second middle ring.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to complete the description and with the purpose offacilitating a better comprehension of the characteristics of thedevice, a set of figures is attached to this specification representingthe following in an illustrative rather than limitative manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention according to embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the invention according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a lateral view of the invention according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1

FIG. 4 is a plant view of the invention according to the embodiment ofFIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention according to embodiment 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention according to theembodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a frontal view of the invention according to the embodiment ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the invention according to theembodiment of FIG. 5 when a section of the central area of the arch hasalready been adapted.

FIG. 9 is a frontal view of the equipment for the construction of archesin the situation of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows an elevation view of a bridge to be executed with atraveller according to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 shows a plant of a bridge to be executed with a travelleraccording to the embodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the invention according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a frontal view of the invention according to theembodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a lateral view of the invention according to the embodimentof FIG. 12.

A list of the different elements represented in the figures forming theinvention is provided below:

-   -   1.—traveller;    -   2.—securing structure;    -   3.—working structure;    -   4.—parallel beams;    -   6.—end ring;    -   7.—middle ring;    -   8.—upper cross-braces;    -   9 and 9′.—transversal cross-brace;    -   10 and 10′.—main load-bearing girders;    -   12.—vertical post;    -   13.—rear skid;    -   14 and 14′.—vertical hydraulic cylinder;    -   15 and 15′.—forward hydraulic cylinder;    -   16.—sliding bar;    -   17.—supporting legs;    -   18 and 18′.—forward tracks;    -   19.—horizontal beams;    -   20.—middle cross-braces;    -   21.—intermediate cross-braces;    -   22.—displacement means;    -   23 and 23′.—floor formwork;    -   24.—sill plates;    -   25.—exterior formwork;    -   26 and 26′.—guides;    -   27.—section;    -   28.—shoring hydraulic cylinders;    -   29.—working surface;    -   30.—vertical cross-brace;    -   31.—exterior panel;    -   32.—access hole to the working platforms;    -   33 and 33′.—vertical beam;    -   34.—transversal beam;    -   35 and 35′.—interior formwork;    -   36.—ties to work;    -   37; 37′; 37″; 37′″.—threaded bar;    -   38.—through-hole;    -   39; 39′; 39″; 39′″.—nut;    -   40.—panels;    -   41.—horizontal cross-brace;    -   42.—internal part;    -   43.—flat beams;    -   44.—springers;    -   45.—central area;    -   46.—external part;    -   47.—beam;        -   47 e.—external beam;        -   47 l.—L-shaped beam;        -   47 s.—upper beam;        -   47 i.—lower beam;    -   48.—graduation;    -   49.—flat piece;    -   50.—coupling means;    -   51.—rolling legs;    -   52.—wedges;    -   53.—tubular piece;    -   54.—longitudinal beam;    -   55.—shoring prop;    -   56.—wedge-shaped platform;    -   57.—reinforcement;    -   58.—square guide;    -   59.—crossbeams;    -   60.—vertical threaded bar;    -   61.—upper beam;    -   62.—lateral beam;    -   63.—through-hole;    -   64.—lower pushing beams;    -   65.—supporting legs;    -   66.—lifting hydraulic cylinder;    -   67.—hollow end;    -   68.—securing piece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As provided above, and as shown in the figures, the traveller (1) forthe construction of arches in bridges is basically configured by twodifferentiated structures constituting a single equipment, given thatthe two structures are joined to each other: a first structureconstituting the securing structure (2) for securing to the alreadybuilt engineering work, and a second structure constituting the workingstructure (3), where all elements required for the advance of theconstruction of the arch of the bridge are located, such as structuralsteel, concrete, working surfaces and formworks.

There are two different embodiments of the traveller (1) for theconstruction of arches, a first embodiment where the securing structure(2) embraces the entirety of the section of the already built arch, anda second embodiment where the securing structure (2) embraces at leasthalf of the section of the already built arch.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the traveller (1) for theconstruction of arches. In this embodiment, the securing structure (2)for securing to the already built engineering work is mainly configuredby two rings. The end ring (6) and the middle ring (7) are joined, ontheir upper part, by an upper cross-brace framework (8), laterally, theyare joined by a transversal cross-brace (9), and on their lower part,both rings (6, 7) are joined by a main load-bearing girder (10) in thelateral ends of the rings (6, 7) and by a bar framework on the spacebetween the main load-bearing girders (10).

The transversal cross-brace (9) joining both rings (6, 7) on the side ofthe traveller (1) transmits the forces generated at the lower part ofthe middle ring (7) due to the weight of the inclined traveller (1)itself.

The configuration of the end ring (6) and of the middle ring (7) isquite similar. In the upper area of each ring, a part of the uppercross-brace framework (8) forms part of the ring; the two sides of eachring are configured by two vertical beams (33), joined to each other bymeans of horizontal beams (19) and transversal beams (34) distributedalong the length of the vertical beams (33); in the lower area of eachring, we find a bar framework joining the sides of each ring in additionto joining the main load-bearing girders (10) as provided above.

In order to access the space between the main load-bearing girders (10),one of them contains a hole (32) through which the lower area of thesecuring structure (2) is accessible. A working surface (29) is placedin the exterior of the main load-bearing girder (10), protecting theaccess through the hole (32) to the space between the main load-bearinggirders (10).

Once a complete arch section (27) has been concreted, two forward tracks(18) are placed on the upper area of the arch section (27). In order forthe traveller (1) to move forward, said beams are displaced along thealready concreted arch section (27) and the traveller (1) is thendisplaced along the forward tracks (18), positioning said traveller (1)for a new placement, allowing the advance in the construction of thearch by means of successive forward movements.

The securing of the traveller (1) in each new placement is carried outby means of ties to work (36). The ties to work (36) consist of verticalthreaded bars (37) introduced into through-holes (38) located in thelower area of the interior formwork (35), made during the concreting.The threaded bar (37) is in turn affixed to the lower area of thesecuring structure (2). In the upper part of said threaded bars (37), anut (39) preventing the vertical displacement of the threaded bar (37),and therefore, of the securing structure, is placed. The horizontaldisplacement of said threaded bar (37), and therefore, of the traveller(1), since it is introduced into the through-hole (38), is not possible.

The upper cross-brace framework (8) joining both rings (6, 7) has twovertical posts (12) for each ring. A fixed rear skid (13) is placed inthe lower part of each vertical post (12) of the upper cross-braces (8),in the two vertical posts (12) corresponding to the end ring (6), whichis used for the forward movement of the traveller (1). Each rear skid(13) is supported on a forward track (18) on which the rear skid (13)will move during each change of position of the traveller (1).

In the case of the vertical posts (12) of the upper cross-braceframework (8) corresponding to the middle ring (7), a sliding bar (16)passes through the inside of each one of the vertical posts (12), whichis displaced downwards in the vertical direction so the traveller (1) issupported by the same during its forward movement, and is liftedvertically when the traveller (1) is in a static position.

The supporting legs (17) are located in the lower part of the verticalsliding bars (16), which incorporate a rear skid (13) for supporting thevertical sliding bar (16) on one of the forward tracks (18). Thesupporting leg (17) is joined to a hydraulic system, which, in apreferred embodiment of the invention, consists of three hydrauliccylinders, of which a pair of vertical hydraulic cylinders (14), one oneach side of the forward track (18), is in charge of executing thevertical movement of the sliding bar (16), and a forward hydrauliccylinder (15) is responsible for the forward movement of the traveller(1) and of the forward tracks (18).

The upper cross-brace framework (8) is constituted by a series of barsproviding rigidity to the traveller (1) by joining the two rings (6, 7)to each other on the upper part of the traveller (1).

The working structure (3), located to the right in FIG. 1, is configuredwith a lower part having a floor formwork (23) supported on sill plates(24) perpendicular to the forward direction of the traveller (1), underwhich there is another main load-bearing girder (10) placed next to themain load-bearing girder (10) of the securing structure (2). On thesides of the floor formwork (23), we find the exterior formwork (25)supported on guides (26) that allow the displacement thereon of theexterior formwork (25), thereby varying the exterior dimensions of thesection (27) of the arch to be executed.

The exterior formwork (25) is formed by exterior panels (31) that arevertically arranged one on top of the other affixed to a vertical rib(30), said vertical rib (30) being joined by its lower part tohorizontal guides (26) that allow the displacement of the vertical ribs(30), thereby modifying the exterior geometry of the section (27) of thearch.

In order to carry out the stripping of the section (27) of the arch, thevertical ribs (30) sustaining the exterior panels (31) of the exteriorformwork (27) are joined to shoring hydraulic cylinders (28), which inturn are affixed to the exterior end of the horizontal guides (26), suchthat, by means of the contraction of the shoring hydraulic cylinders(28), the separation of the exterior formwork (27) takes place. Saidseparation takes place with the rotation of the vertical ribs (30) ofthe exterior formwork (25) around the connecting point of said verticalribs (30) and the horizontal guides (26).

The exterior formwork (25) incorporates horizontal working surfaces (29)on its exterior part placed at different heights of the aforementionedexterior formwork (25), the highest working surface (29) being at thehighest level of the section (27) of the arch.

The interior formwork (35) (shown in FIG. 2) has an inverted U shape andis located inside the section (27) to be concreted, providing the finalhollow configuration of the section (27) of the arches of bridge (5)arches. Said interior formwork (35) can have the dimensions required forthe arch section (27) being built.

Two structures are differentiated in this first embodiment of thetraveller (1), a carrying structure for the forward phase of thetraveller, which comprises the two rings (6, 7), the upper cross-braceframework (8) and the transversal cross-brace (9), and a carryingstructure for the concreting phase, which comprises the mainload-bearing girders (10) and all elements of the exterior formwork(25).

The variability in the dimensions of the interior formwork (35),together with the possibility of varying the position of the exteriorformwork (25) by means of the displacement of said exterior formwork(25) through the guides (26), makes the traveller (1) object of theinvention adaptable to multiple arch dimensions.

The second embodiment of this traveller (1) for the construction ofarches for bridges (5) is reflected in FIG. 5. This embodiment isdesigned for the construction of a typology of arch where the section(27) varies from the springers (44) of the arch until the central areathereof (45). In the springers (44) of the arch, the section (27) hasthe shape of a D, and there are two independent sections in each archspringer (44), while in the central area (45) of the arch, the twoD-shaped sections are joined by the flat part of the D, and they becomea single section (27).

The modification of the section (27) of the springers (44) of the archuntil the section (27) of the central area (45) is obtained by modifyingthe configuration of the working structure (3). Said modification of theconfiguration of the working structure (3) is the consequence of themodification of the configuration of the securing structure (2), whichwill begin to modify its configuration according to the advance of theconstruction of the arch, following the variation of the section (27) ofthe arch from the springers (44) until the central area (5) referred toabove.

In this second embodiment, the securing structure (2) is also formed bytwo rings, an end ring (6) and a middle ring (7), through which theaffixing of the traveller (1) to an already concreted arch section (27)is carried out.

The end ring (6) and the middle ring (7) have a similar configuration.Each ring is formed by different beams. The sides of the rings (6, 7)are classified into two: the side of the external part (46) with respectto the arch and the side of the internal part (42) with respect to thearch.

The side of the internal part (42) with respect to the arch isconfigured by two L-shaped beams (47 l), joined to one another by twothreaded bars (37′) wherein two flat pieces (49) are located on theexterior of the L-shaped beams (47 l). Nuts (39′) are placed on theaforementioned flat pieces (49), which thread in the threaded bars (37′)preventing the movement of the L-shaped beams (47 l).

The side of the external part (46) with respect to the arch is formed byan external beam (47 e) in which upper part two vertical hydrauliccylinders (14′) are placed.

The lower part of the ring is formed by a lower beam (47 i), joined byone end to the external beam (47 e) and by the other end to one of theL-shaped beams (47 l).

The upper area of each ring is formed by an upper beam (47 s), and thedisplacement means (22) of the traveller, which move along the forwardtracks (18′), are affixed to the lower part of said upper beam (47 s).

Likewise, the upper beam (47 s) is affixed, on the side corresponding tothe external beam (47 e), to coupling means (50) embracing theaforementioned external beam (47 e) and move along the same. Thevertical hydraulic cylinders (14′) are joined to the aforementionedcoupling means (50).

The coupling means (50) are configured to embrace the external beam (47e) as a metal tubular piece (53) through the inside of which theexternal beam (47 e) passes, a reinforcement (57) of the tubular pieceand a square guide (58). The reinforcement (57) is constituted by twoparallel beams (4) affixed to the tubular piece (53), such that thetubular piece (53) is guided in its displacement along the length of theexternal beam (47 e), supported by the reinforcement (57) guided throughthe inside of the square guide (58).

In order to modify the distance between the upper beam (47 s) and thelower beam (47 i), in addition than between the vertical hydrauliccylinders (14′), there is a graduation (48) in the upper area of theexternal beam (47 e) which, by means of the affixing of the verticalhydraulic cylinders (14′) in different predefined positions in thegraduation (48) of the external beam (47 e), allows modifying theposition of the vertical hydraulic cylinders (14′) of the aforementionedexternal beam (47 e).

The displacement means (22) of the traveller consist of rolling legs(51) that pass through forward tracks (18′) such that the traveller isguided by the forward tracks (18′). The rolling legs (51) are affixed tothe lower part of the upper beam (47 s). The forward tracks (18′) inthis second embodiment have an interior step, which will serve to securethe traveller (1) in a position and to be supported thereon for theforward movement of the traveller (1).

The relative parallel position of the two forward tracks (18′) ismaintained because in the area corresponding to the securing structure(2) between the forward tracks (18′), a series of crossbeams (59) islocated, and in the area corresponding to the working structure (3), awedge-shaped platform (56) is located, which provides the D shape to thesection (27) through the lower part of the wedge-shaped platform (56),and through the upper part is affixed to the forward tracks (18′),maintaining the relative position of the aforementioned forward tracks(18′).

The forward movement of the traveller (1) is obtained by means offorward hydraulic cylinders (15′) coupled to the lower part of the upperbeam (47 s) of the middle ring (7), next to the rolling legs (51) ofsaid middle ring (7). The end opposite to the one coupled to the forwardwheels (51) is coupled from the forward hydraulic cylinder (15′) to thestep of the forward tracks (18′). The forward movement of the traveller(1) guided by the forward tracks (18′) takes place supported by saidstep.

The connection between both rings (6, 7) takes place through differentelements according to the area of the rings (6, 7) being connected. Onthe side corresponding to the external part (46) with respect to thearch, the connection between the two lateral beams (47 e) is carried outby means of a Z-shaped structure comprising a transversal cross-brace(9′), and two horizontal cross-braces (41). In the lower part, the tworings (6, 7) are joined by two main load-bearing girders (10′) placed inparallel and joining the lower beams (47 i) of the two rings (6,7). Inthe upper area, the connection between the rings (6, 7) is carried outby the internal part with respect to the arch (42) by means of alongitudinal beam (54) joining the L-shaped beams (47 l), and in theexternal part (46) with respect to the arch by means of two flat beams(43) affixed to the coupling means (50).

This way, the upper beam (47 s) is joined through the coupling means(50) to the external beam (47 e) within the ring itself, and the twoexternal beams (47 e) to each other in the connection between the tworings (6, 7).

In order to affix the traveller to the already concreted section (27),the securing structure (2) has ties to the work (36) constituted bythreaded bars (37″) introduced into holes (32) made on the upper part ofthe section (27).

In order to embrace the D-shaped section (27), the securing structure(2) has two wedge-shaped pieces (52) affixed to the lower part of theforward tracks (18′) by means of the same threaded bars (37″)constituting the ties to work (38).

The affixing to the concreted section (27) takes place by means of thethreaded bars (37″) which, introduced through the holes (32), areaffixed by means of nuts (39″), in one end to an interior area of thesection (27), and in the other end, to the wedge-shaped pieces (52),which in turn are affixed to the lower part of the forward tracks (18′).

The working structure (3) of this second embodiment (shown in FIGS. 5and 6) is configured in its interior area by a floor formwork (23′)supported on horizontal guides (26′), which in turn are supported by twomain load-bearing girders (10′), the ones found in the lower part of thesecuring structure (2) as well.

The side of the working structure (3) corresponding to the external part(46) with respect to the arch is configured by panels (40) supported bya series of shoring props (55), which in turn is supported by thehorizontal guides (26′).

The panels (40) can be removed unit by unit modifying the height of thesection (27). This modification of the height of the section (27) to beconcreted corresponds to the modification of the distance between theupper beam (47 s) of the rings (6, 7) and the lower beam (47 i) in themodification of the configuration of the securing structure (2).

The upper area of the working structure (3), the one providing thecurved configuration in the upper area of the D-shaped section (27), hasthe configuration that also contributes to maintaining the relativeposition of the forward tracks in the working structure, that is to say:a wedge-shaped platform (56) is placed under the forward tracks (18), towhich the interior formwork (35′) of the section (27) is affixed bymeans of threaded bars (37″).

Through the lower area of the securing structure (2), affixing therelative position of the traveller (1), vertical threaded bars (60) areintroduced, which are affixed to the lower beam (47 i) and to thealready concreted section by means of nuts (39′″) placed in the ends ofthe aforementioned vertical threaded bars (60).

The side of the working structure (3) corresponding to the internal part(42) with respect to the arch is composed of vertical beams (33′)coupled by the upper part of the vertical beams (33′) to thewedge-shaped platform (56) and by the lower part of the vertical beams(33′) to the horizontal guides (26′). Panels (40) are placed in thevertical beams (33′), which form the exterior formwork (25) of thesection (27). As the section (27) is modified in the construction of thearch, panels (40) are progressively dismounted. This side is fullydismounted when the two sections of the springers (44) of the arch inthe central area (45) of the aforementioned arch connect.

FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of the traveller (1) for the executionof arches. In this third embodiment, with respect to the firstembodiment, the securing structure (2) of the traveller (1) varies andthe working structure (3) is similar to the working structure of thefirst embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the structure (2) for securing to the alreadybuilt engineering work comprises an end ring (6) and a middle ring (7)forming one single securing piece (67), together with the transversalcross-brace (9) and the connecting elements between both rings.

Said single piece comprises, on its upper part, an upper beam (61), oneach side, a lateral beam (62), and on the lower part, two mainload-bearing girders (10′) likewise joining the securing structure (2)and the working structure (3).

The lower part of the traveller (1) in this third embodiment alsocomprises a bar framework in addition to the two main load-bearinggirders (10).

A working surface (29′) is placed exteriorly with respect to the mainload-bearing girder (10′), facilitating the access to the mainload-bearing girders (10′).

Once a complete arch section (27) has been concreted, two forward tracks(18′) are placed on the upper area of the arch section (27), whichenables the forward movement of the traveller (1). In order for thetraveller (1) to move forward, said beams are displaced along thealready concreted arch section (27) and the traveller (1) is thendisplaced along the forward tracks (18′), positioning said traveller (1)for a new placement, allowing the advance in the construction of thearch by means of successive forward movements.

There are two through-holes (63) in the upper beam (61) of the securingstructure (2). There is a sliding bar (16′) placed in correspondencewith each through-hole (63), and in the lower part of each sliding bar(16′), a skid (13′) is placed. Each sliding bar (16) incorporates alifting hydraulic cylinder (66) in its interior, joined by one end to anend of the sliding bar (16′) and by the other end to the upper beam (61)of the securing structure (2).

The skid (13′) is supported, by means of a forward track (18), by theconcreted structure. Each skid (13′) moves along the forward track (18)in each change of position of the traveller (1). The sliding bar (16) isjoined to the upper beam (61), being displaced vertically inside of thethrough-hole (63) of said upper beam (61).

There are two lower pushing beams (64) on the lower area of thetraveller (1), which are affixed to the lower area of the traveller (1)by means of supporting legs (65).

Each supporting leg (65) is formed by a beam, within which section thereare lifting hydraulic cylinders (66′) incorporated. Said liftinghydraulic cylinders (66′) are affixed to each supporting leg (65) by oneend, and by the other end to the traveller (1). These lifting hydrauliccylinders (66′), together with the lifting hydraulic cylinders (66)incorporated by the sliding bar (16), carry out the ascent and descentof the traveller (1) in the forward movement thereof.

The lower pushing beams (64) comprise a hollow end (67) through whichthe supporting leg (65) passes, the supporting leg (65) being locatedorthogonally to the lower pushing beam (64).

The forward movement of the traveller (1) of this third embodiment iscarried out by following the following steps:

-   -   with the traveller (1) located in the concreting position, the        forward tracks (18′) move forward;    -   the descent of the traveller (1) is obtained with the relative        movement of the sliding bar (16′) with respect to the upper beam        (61), the traveller (1) being supported, by means of the skids        (13′), by the concreted structure;    -   forward movement of the aforementioned traveller (1), pushed by        the lower pushing beams (64) on the forward tracks (18′);    -   once the traveller (1) moves towards the position of a new        placement, the traveller (1) is lifted by the relative movement        of the sliding bar (16′) with respect to the upper beam (61);    -   concreting of a new section (27);    -   the process is repeated.

1. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering works, comprising:a securing structure (2) for securing to the already buily engineeringwork; a working structure (3) on which construction of the workadvances; characterized in that: the securing structure (2) comprises: afirst end ring (6) coupled to the perimeter of the section (27) of thealready built work; a second middle ring (7) coupled to the perimeter ofthe section (27) of the already built work; at least one transversalcross-brace (9) that joins the end ring (6) and the middle ring (7) on aside of the traveller (1); connecting elements between the end ring (6)and the middle ring (7); the working structure (3) comprises: anexterior formwork (25); and a floor formwork (23); wherein the securingstructure (2) and the working structure (3) are joined at the lower partthereof by a main load-bearing girder (10, 10′) and at the upper partthereof by the forward tracks (18, 18′).
 2. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 1, characterized inthat the rings (6, 7) are joined at the upper part thereof by an uppercross-brace framework (8) and at the lower part thereof by at least onemain load-bearing girder (10) and a bar framework.
 3. Traveller (1) forthe construction of engineering works according to claim 1,characterized in that the upper cross-brace framework (8) comprises twovertical posts (12) in the upper cross-braces (8) corresponding to theend ring (6) and two vertical posts (12′) in the upper cross-braces (8)corresponding to the middle ring (7).
 4. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 1, characterized inthat a rear skid (13) supported on the forward track (18) is located inthe lower part of the vertical posts (12) corresponding to the end ring(6).
 5. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering worksaccording to claim 1, characterized in that a sliding bar (16) passesthrough the inside of each one of the two vertical posts (12′)corresponding to the middle ring (7).
 6. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 5, characterized inthat a supporting leg (17) is comprised in the lower end of the slidingbars (16).
 7. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering worksaccording to claim 6, characterized in that each supporting leg (17)comprises a rear skid (13) for supporting the sliding bar (16) on theforward track (18), the supporting leg (17) being joined to: a pair ofvertical hydraulic cylinders (14) that lift the supporting legs (17) andthe rear skids (13) from the forward tracks (18), and a forwardhydraulic cylinder (15) responsible for the forward movement of thetraveller (1) on the forward tracks (18).
 8. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 1, characterized inthat the end ring (6) and the middle ring (7) comprise the commonelements: upper cross-brace framework (8) in the upper part; a barframework in the lower part; two vertical beams (33) joined to eachother through horizontal beams (19) and transversal beams (34), thehorizontal beams (19) and transversal beams (34) being distributed alongthe length of the vertical beams (33) on each side.
 9. Traveller (1) forthe construction of engineering works according to claim 1,characterized in that the floor formwork (23) in the working structure(3) is supported by sill plates (24) perpendicular to the forwarddirection of the traveller (1), the main load-bearing girder (10) beinglocated under said sill plates (24).
 10. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 1, characterized inthat the exterior formwork (25) comprises exterior panels (31) affixedto vertical ribs (30), the vertical ribs (30) being supported by theirlower part on guides (26) on which the vertical ribs (30) can bedisplaced, thereby modifying the dimensions of a section (27) to beconcreted with respect to another already concreted section (27). 11.Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering works according toclaim 10, characterized in that the vertical ribs (30) are joined toshoring hydraulic cylinders (28) in turn affixed to an end of the guides(26).
 12. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering worksaccording to claim 10, characterized in that the exterior formwork (25)comprises working surfaces (29) located at different heights of theexterior formwork (25).
 13. Traveller (1) for the construction ofengineering works according to claim 1, characterized in that theworking structure (3) comprises an inverted U-shaped interior formwork(35).
 14. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering worksaccording to claim 1, characterized in that the end ring (6) and themiddle ring (7) comprise the common elements: an external beam (47 e) ona side of the ring corresponding to an external side with respect to thearch; two L-shaped beams (47 l), joined to each other by means ofthreaded bars (37′) on a side of the ring corresponding to an internalside with respect to the arch; an upper beam (47 s) in the upper part ofthe ring; a lower beam (47 i) in the lower part of the ring; andcoupling means (50) embracing the external beam (47 e) and joined to theupper beam (47 s).
 15. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineeringworks according to claim 14, characterized in that the two L-shapedbeams (47 l) are joined to each other by means of threaded bars (37″),flat pieces (49) being placed in the exterior of the L-shaped beams (47l) and nuts (39′) threading on the threaded bars (37″) and abuttingagainst the flat pieces (49).
 16. Traveller (1) for the construction ofengineering works according to claim 14, characterized in that in theupper part of the external beam (47 e) of the at least the end ring (6),two vertical hydraulic cylinders (14′) are comprised, affixed to theexternal beam (47 e) by one end, and which are affixed, by the otherend, to the coupling means (50), modifying the distance between theupper beam (47 s) and the lower beam (47 i) with the path of thevertical hydraulic cylinders (14′).
 17. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 14, characterizedin that the external beam (47 e) of the rings (6, 7) comprises, in theupper end, a graduation (48) that allows modifying the affixing point ofthe vertical hydraulic cylinders (14′) to said external beam (47 e). 18.Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering works according toclaim 14, characterized in that the coupling means (50) in the end ring(6) of the securing structure (2) comprise at least: a metal tubularpiece (53) through the inside of which the external beam (47 e) passes;a reinforcement (57) of the tubular piece; and a square guide (58) forthe coupling means; such that the tubular piece (53) moves along theexternal beam (47 e) supported in the reinforcement (57) that is guidedthrough the inside of the square guide (58).
 19. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 14, characterizedin that the coupling means (50) in the middle ring (7) of the securingstructure (2) comprise at least a metal tubular piece (53) through theinside of which the external beam (47 e) passes.
 20. Traveller (1) forthe construction of engineering works according to claim 14,characterized in that the connection between the end ring (6) and themiddle ring (7) is obtained: in the upper area through the internal partwith respect to the arch (42) by means of a longitudinal beam (54)joining the L-shaped beams (47 l), and in the external part with respectto the arch by means of two flat beams (43) affixed to the couplingmeans (50) of the rings (6, 7); in the lower part two main load-bearinggirders (10′), placed in a parallel manner, that join the lower beams(47 i); on the side corresponding to the external part with respect tothe arch (46), it is carried out through a transversal cross-brace (9′)and two horizontal cross-braces (41).
 21. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 14, characterizedin that the coupling means (50) join the external beam (47 e) and theupper beam (47 l) inside each ring, and the two external beams (47 e) inthe connection between the end ring (6) and the middle ring (7). 22.Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering works according toclaim 14, characterized in that the forward tracks (18′) comprise aninterior step, wherein forward hydraulic cylinders (15′) are supported,coupled, by one end, to the lower part of the upper beam (47 s), and bythe other end, to the step of the forward tracks (18′).
 23. Traveller(1) for the construction of engineering works according to claim 14,characterized in that the upper beam (47 s) comprises, affixed to itslower part, rolling legs (51) that move along the forward tracks (18′)guiding the forward movement of the traveller (1) in their displacement.24. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering works according toclaim 14, characterized in that the traveller (1) comprises, in the arealocated on the securing structure (2), crossbeams (59) located betweenthe forward tracks (18′) and, in the area located on the workingstructure (3), under the forward tracks (18′), a wedge-shaped platform(56), the crossbeams (59) and the wedge-shaped platform (56) affixingthe relative position of the forward tracks (18′).
 25. Traveller (1) forthe construction of engineering works according to claim 14,characterized in that the securing structure (2) comprises ties to thework site (36) comprising: threaded bars (37″); holes (32) made on theupper part of the already concreted section; wedge-shaped pieces (52)affixed to the lower part of the forward tracks (18′); such that thetraveller (1) is affixed to an already concreted arch section (27),introducing the threaded bars (37″) through the holes (32) of thealready concreted section (27) and through the inside of thewedge-shaped pieces (52), the ends of the threaded bars (37″) beingaffixed both to the holes (32) and to the wedge-shaped pieces (52) bymeans of nuts (39″).
 26. Traveller (1) for the construction ofengineering works according to claim 14, characterized in that theworking structure (3) comprises: an interior formwork (35′) providingthe interior shape of the section (27); on the side corresponding to theexternal part (46) with respect to the arch, panels (40) held by shoringprops (55) supported by horizontal guides (26′); on the lower area, afloor formwork (23′) supported on the horizontal guides (26′), which inturn are supported on the main load-bearing girders (10′) which alsojoin the two rings (6, 7) of the securing structure (2); on the upperarea, the wedge-shaped platform (56) affixed to the forward tracks (18);on the side corresponding to the internal part (42) with respect to thearch, vertical beams (33′) coupled by the upper part of the verticalbeams (33′) to the wedge-shaped platform (56) and by the lower part ofthe vertical beams (33′) to the horizontal guides; the sides and thelower area configuring the exterior formwork (25) of the workingstructure (3).
 27. Traveller (1) for the construction of engineeringworks according to claim 14, characterized in that the interior formwork(35′) is affixed to the wedge-shaped platform (56) located under theforward tracks (18′) in the area of the working structure (3), theaffixing being carried out by means of threaded bars (37′″) associatedwith nuts (39′) that abut against the wedge-shaped platform (56). 28.Traveller (1) for the construction of engineering works according toclaim 14, characterized in that the dimensions of the section (27) to beconcreted configuring the working structure can be modified by means ofat least one of the following actions: removal by unit of the panels(40) of the side corresponding to the external part (46) with respect tothe arch; displacement of the shoring props (55) through the horizontalguides (26′); removal by unit of the panels (40) of the sidecorresponding to the internal part (42) with respect to the arch;complete removal of the vertical beams (33′) and panels (40) configuringthe side corresponding to the internal part (42) with respect to thearch to carry out the complete section (27) of the arch by means of theundertaking of half sections joined at the corresponding side to theinternal part (42) with respect to the arch.
 29. Traveller (1) for theconstruction of engineering works according to claim 1, characterized inthat the securing structure (2) comprises one single securing piece (67)that comprises the first end ring (6), the second middle ring (7), thetransversal cross-brace (9) and the connecting elements of the first endring (6) and the second middle ring (7).